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Whittier Heights

Wander the residential streets of Whittier Heights, a corner of greater Ballard set between Loyal Heights and Greenwood. Find out where it begins and ends, how it joined Seattle, and the poet behind its name.

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Map of Whittier Heights in Seattle
Map of Whittier Heights

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Whittier Heights is considered part of greater Ballard, sitting just north of central Ballard across NW 65th Street.

It runs from NW 65th Street north to NW 85th Street, and from 15th Avenue NW east to 8th Avenue NW. Loyal Heights, Crown Hill, Greenwood, Phinney Ridge and central Ballard surround it.

The name comes from the Whittier School, now Whittier Elementary School. The school honored John Greenleaf Whittier, a nineteenth century poet, author and abolitionist.

The area was originally in the City of Ballard, established in 1889. It became part of Seattle when the city annexed Ballard in 1907.

City of Seattle records list Kirke Park in the area, with Baker Park on Crown Hill nearby. Check Seattle Parks and Recreation for current details.

About Whittier Heights

Clear street edges and residential blocks make Whittier Heights an easy place for an unhurried walk, and this Seattle neighborhood sits within greater Ballard, between Loyal Heights and Greenwood. You will find it between NW 65th Street and NW 85th Street, stretching from 15th Avenue NW east to 8th Avenue NW. It started out as part of the City of Ballard, joined Seattle in 1907, and takes its name from a local school honoring the poet John Greenleaf Whittier.

Where Whittier Heights Begins and Ends

Clear street boundaries make the neighborhood simple to find on a map. Each edge meets a different part of north Seattle, so you can treat it as a handy starting point for exploring the areas around it.

  • West: 15th Avenue NW, with Loyal Heights waiting on the far side.
  • North: NW 85th Street, where Crown Hill begins.
  • East: 8th Avenue NW, bordering Greenwood and Phinney Ridge.
  • South: NW 65th Street, the line you cross into central Ballard.

With so many neighbors close by, your walk can easily drift into the surrounding districts. Browse the guide to other Seattle neighborhoods to sketch out a longer route.

Read the full Whittier Heights guide

From the City of Ballard to Seattle

Picture these streets as part of an independent city. Ballard became its own municipality in 1889, and Whittier Heights sat inside its limits.

That chapter closed in 1907, when Seattle annexed Ballard and Whittier Heights became part of Seattle along with it. Today the neighborhood is still counted as part of the greater Ballard area.

A Name Borrowed from a School

The neighborhood's name comes from what was then a new elementary school, the Whittier School. It honored John Greenleaf Whittier, a nineteenth century poet, author and abolitionist.

Look for his name on Whittier Elementary School, which still carries it today. The school remains a direct link between the neighborhood's identity and its early years.

Parks to Stop at Along the Way

Plan a pause at Kirke Park, which City of Seattle records list in this area, or head toward the northern edge for Baker Park on Crown Hill. Both are neighborhood parks, just right for a short break during your walk.

Before you go, check with Seattle Parks and Recreation for amenities, current conditions and any updates. You can also browse the roundup of Seattle parks to compare options across the city.

Planning Your Visit

Since Whittier Heights is mainly residential, give it an unhurried stroll rather than a packed itinerary. For a fuller day, pair it with central Ballard to the south or Greenwood to the east.

Looking for more ideas? Explore things to do in Seattle or seek out notable Seattle landmarks nearby.

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